New Mexico residents will no longer be able to enjoy the state's museums for free every Sunday. Museums will only be free the first Sunday of each month starting July 1.
The decision comes as the state Department of Cultural Affairs is trying to make budget cuts.
The new policy affects eight museums in total across Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Alamogordo and Las Cruces.
But it won't affect museums such as the New Mexico History Museum, which admits children under age 17 for free daily.
Department of Cultural Affairs spokeswoman Loie Fecteau said in an email that charging admission is necessary to reduce a deficit of more than $2 million.
The department has other cost-cutting measures planned including eliminating staff and hiring freezes.
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